Tallarn Desert Raiders

Elias Carter wakes in a hospital bed, his body weak, his mind blank. No memories of how he got there. No nurses. No doctors. No sound except the rhythmic beep of a heart monitor. When he stumbles into the hallway, an unsettling emptiness greets him—patient rooms undisturbed, machines still running, but no signs of life. The world outside is no different. The city stands frozen, its neon signs flickering for no one, its streets deserted. The last date he remembers is 2046, yet the clock says March 15, 2047. A newspaper headline shatters what little control he has left: "MASS EVACUATION: WHERE DID THEY GO?" Everyone is gone. But why? How? And more importantly—why is he still here? As Elias ventures deeper into the silent world, he will uncover horrifying truths, impossible realities, and a mystery that could change everything. Because somewhere in the emptiness… something is watching. And it's waiting.

A thousand years after the Undead Empire vanished, the little skeleton who used to farm was still tending to his fields, until the summoning portal reopened. "Are you guys hungry? I’ve been farming for a thousand years and have stored a tiny bit of food." "Have these fields been deserted? Can I plant things?" "The princess's city on the hill doesn’t allow farming? Then never mind, I won't go." "They want to tax me but won't let me farm? Wipe them out!"

What would you do if you were reborn ten days before the end? Synopsis Translation: Zombies + Natural Disasters + Superpowers + Divine Beasts + Beauties + Spatial Ability + Ruthless Resolve + Empire Building When the apocalypse strikes, a cataclysmic ice age engulfs the planet. As the frost retreats, a zombie virus ravages humanity. Before survivors can catch their breath, mega-tsunamis drown continents into aquatic wastelands. Then the Earth transforms again - scorching temperatures evaporate oceans, leaving a global desert. Just when humanity thinks the nightmare is over... alien invaders descend. The cruelest twist? Every human starts with only one year of chrono-energy. When it depletes, you die. To survive, you must scavenge both resources and precious time-energy while dodging endless catastrophes. Xiao Yang, reborn with his spatial powers intact, gets a 10-day head start before doomsday. Now he's: • Hoarding apocalyptic-scale supplies • Building luxury bunkers • Customizing armored super-trucks and mega-yachts • Preparing to rewrite the rules of survival (An epic saga of survival, betrayal, and unimaginable twists!)

In the endless wastelands beneath twin moons, the Sunlit Squad reigns as a band of raiders, striking against the oppressive Galactic Order. But on one fateful raid, they uncover something impossible—a baby, cradled in the wreckage of an Order transport. Not just any child. A bio-engineered human, a relic of a species long thought extinct. Raised among outlaws, Adam-101 grows at an unnatural pace—stronger, faster, and more intelligent than any normal being. By five, he is already outpacing grown warriors. By six, he discovers a power within him: the ability to move objects with his mind,and has the ability to sense danger. But in a world where humans were wiped out for being inferior, what does that make Adam? A survivor? A weapon? A mistake?

Emily abandoned her job as a medical nurse in order to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood star, but suffered the ultimate betrayal. She was deserted by her scumbag boyfriend, let down by the lousy entertainment company she worked for, and murdered by a jealous crew member. But miraculously, her soul was reborn and she woke up in her own body, the day after her school graduation.

Nature is fair—it follows fixed rules and remains impartial regardless of race, age or gender. Natural selection is something which all living things must face and humans are no exception. Silas was only fourteen when he lost his parents to the brutal orc bandit raids. For years, he worked in the field just to provide for himself and his sister, Ruth. Life was going smooth and there was hope for the future, and then the raiders came back. They tried to run like other villagers, but they were hunted down like animals by the raiders. Silas fought with all his might but was fatally injured. Half-dead, he was forced to watch the orc butcher his sister while she screamed his name for help. Pain, grief and anger overwhelmed him. Why is the world so cruel to me? I know bad things happen, but why always me? Why did they have to Kill Ruth? She's only 12 for God’s sake! {What if I give you the power to fight back?} I will make them run like they made me! I will butcher their children and women like they did to mine! I won't stop until every single one of them are dead! {What if I tell you the earth and the heavens are responsible for your misfortune?} Even if the earth gathers and the heaven descends; I will fight! {Welcome to the fold, Sin of Wrath... Be wary of every one, especially other members of the 7 deadly sins... The battle for succession amongst the seven princes of hell is unforgiving and ruthless!} ------ So I decided to ignore my health and attempt to write all three books covering the sins of pride, lust and wrath. I may burn out, or run mad midway, or succeed. So yeah, I'll take the chance. Like I said in the other books, I haven't created a discord community before, so it may take me a while to set one up. Be patient with me, okay? Wish me luck and thank you for your support!

When a Filipino Brings a Gundam to a Sword Fight > "Oh great, another summoner. Just what we need—more useless adventurers." > > *Famous last words from Sir Knight-Who-Got-His-Butt-Kicked* Look, getting isekai'd is already weird enough, but being a Filipino summoner in a fantasy world? That's like bringing *balut* to a fancy French dinner party – completely unexpected and guaranteed to raise some eyebrows. Picture this: There I was, contemplating whether to have *sisig* or *adobo* for dinner, when suddenly – **POOF!** – I got yeet'd into Medieval Times™ faster than my mom could throw her legendary tsinelas. And what did the universe decide to gift me with? The supposedly "weakest" class: *a summoner*. But here's where it gets *interesting*. These fantasy folks thought I'd be pulling rabbits out of hats or summoning cute forest creatures. **Boy, were they in for a surprise!** Because while they were expecting wooden sticks and basic swords, I was busy figuring out if I could summon: * My mom's battle-tested tsinelas (with +20 critical hit, mind you) * A fully-loaded M16 *Armor you say? " How about a mask raider suit! Or iron man armor!(credit to marvel ) * And oh yeah, *casual flex*, **AN ENTIRE FREAKING GUNDAM** Let me tell you something funny about being the "weak" summoner – when you can call forth weapons that would make Michael Bay weep tears of explosive joy, suddenly nobody's laughing at your class choice anymore. Welcome to my story of how a Pinoy turned the summoner class from zero to hero, one ridiculous weapon at a time.

They said magic died with the dragons. They were wrong. In the frost-scarred kingdom of Drakonia, where steel sings and survival is etched into every stone, Liam Volgunder is a failure. Untouched by the legendary swordsmanship of his lineage, he's a disgrace to his family, a target for his siblings' scorn. But in a hidden crypt, a forbidden power awakens, marking him with a stigma of ice – a heretical magic long banished from the realm. Now, Liam's unwanted gift is Drakonia's only hope. A brutal tournament reveals his terrifying potential and exposes a demonic taint festering within the noble houses. While a zealous Holy Kingdom intervenes, a far greater threat amasses in the Eastern Wastes: the Rubak raiders, united under a ruthless chieftain who wields the same dark power that corrupted Liam's rival. Forced into a desperate alliance with his estranged brother and a mysterious warrior tied to his dead mother's past, Liam must master his volatile magic and unlock the secrets of a dangerous artifact – the Umbral Core. He'll journey into the heart of enemy territory, facing not only the savage Rubaks but his own inner demons, a legacy of ancient dragons, and a conspiracy that threatens to shatter the fragile peace of Aetheria. He'll learn that some secrets are best left buried, and that the price of power can be steeper than he ever imagined. Because in Drakonia, the only thing colder than the winter wind... is the magic that could save it, or consume it entirely.

Dive back in time, to the depths of the desert, and watch the old stories unfold before your eyes. A story of treasure hunting, betrayal, and destiny. When a gruesome future is all you see, how can you change it? When you're foretold to fail, how should you move on? Zarqa, the girl who saw beyond time, sought to find answers. -------------------------- Legend says that Zarqa had sharp eyes that could look far away in the distance. But what if that wasn’t the end of it, what if her eyes were seeing far beyond not only space, but time? What if Zarqa was blessed with a prophecy, one that could save her dying village from destruction? Just as they thought they had no way to survive, Zarqa learns of a way to protect her village from demolition. Naturally, no one believed her, for no one but the Almighty could see beyond the present. They forgot the Almighty offers knowledge to those whom he deems of worth. And Zarqa was one of them. Having to trudge an arduous path and go through a great adventure, Zarqa seeks to find the solution to all of their problems, a treasure said to have the power to change all. Pitted against magical traps and the mysteries of the deserts, she finds unexpected company in Ali Baba, the poor kid with the sticky fingers, and his crow Morjana... -------------------------- This is my first original long story here and is also a WSA 2024 Entry. I ask that you give it a try and hope you enjoy it :D Also, note that English is not my first language... And it's not my second either. -----------------------Media------------------------- This book has many openings, check them out: [General opening of the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVxnu5R3vws] [Baghdad Arc's opening: https://youtu.be/GwJIJ2Kn0FI] [Two Heavens Arc's opening: https://youtu.be/NO1C0ngBVjg] [Two Heavens Arc's ending: https://youtu.be/hO-XPQsCPFw] [Cursed Ring Arc's Opening: https://youtu.be/PUF4H98y2B0] [Ending: https://youtu.be/1wQ_aJVFhx0] -----------------------Updates-------------------------- Updated weekly, 2 chapters on weekends. Please don't let the first paragraphs fool you. This isn't a story from the first person's POV.

Maya prophesied that December 21, 2012 would be the end of the world. On this day, some people were anxious and afraid of not seeing the sun the next day. More people held a playful attitude and celebrated with their loved ones in the early morning night, waiting for dawn to celebrate their safe passage through the end. The next day, the sun rose as usual, and people only thought that God was joking with everyone, working and living as usual. But they were too happy too early. The end has already quietly arrived, but they have been adapted to the harsh environment, unable to see the green mountains turn into yellow soil, and flowers and birds disappear; Unable to see the clear river turning into a foul smelling canal, fish and shrimp are dying; Unable to see grassland turning into desert, land howling According to the Observatory, there was a once-in-a-millennium meteor shower in the early morning of December 21, 2020. Many places can be seen with the naked eye, with young men and women rushing to tell each other, eagerly anticipating this romantic meteor shower. At midnight, the long-awaited miracle finally appeared. The moon, which had been hard to see for a long time, descended like a silver plate, clear and bright, right in front of me But then people were extremely frightened. According to the lunar calendar, this day is the Winter Solstice Festival on the seventh day of the winter lunar month. How could there be a full moon This is a beautiful miracle It's still the beginning of the nightmare

A 20-years old boy transmigrated into the female-dominated novel world, But not as a protagonist nor as the main villain.  He transmigrated as the green tea boyfriend of the main female CEO heroine and will become the first target of the protagonist of this novel. Alex was scared for his life. In the novel, it's impossible to defeat the son of luck. When he was helpless, the golden finger exclusive for travelers came. [Ding! The Female Raider System is being loaded.] Alex was excited thinking that he doesn't need to go close to a high cold female CEO but the system tells him different things. [Ding! As long as the host raids the heroines and increases their affection, the Host will receive heaven-defying rewards.] So his journey as green tea/White lotus raiding began.  Ohh here is Discord Server Link : https://discord.com/invite/bCgvFWC3Ka (Photo is his, not mine. If the owner doesn't want it, I can remove it.)

Arren is a bred slave of the Sounra Kingdom, furthermore, he is placed within the brutal training of its soldier role course. At first his exceptional combat ability was enough for him to triumph over many of his fellow slaves, yet upon entering the third stage he made a terrifying discovery; he does not possess the ability to wield magic. With such a crippling disability hindering him he is soon left behind and falls to the bottom of the ranks. Now with the end of the third stage approaching, Arren finds that his very life is in danger. Unable to accept such a fate he has resolved to fight on to the bitter end, even if it is futile in the face of such impossible odds. Meanwhile, within the Sounra Kingdom not all is as peaceful as it appears. Tensions are rising both within its borders and beyond, made worse by the arrival of a foreign prince which seeks to mediate between nations in hopes of ceasing the rising pressure. Unbeknownst to the prince however, he will soon find himself before a plot which aims to shake the Sounra Kingdom’s very foundation. Order of Fate is a fantasy epic which will slowly expand from its start within a small desert kingdom into a conflict of great existences. It will follow a multitude of stories, each seen through the eyes of multiple lead characters and taking place throughout a vast world. A world filled with monsters, political conflicts, great powers, and hidden evils. What to expect: [Weak to Strong] [Multiple Storylines] [Action & Adventure] [Magic Systems] [Male & Female Leads]

[Tomb Raiding + Mystery + Antique Appraisal] I am a poor boy from a small northeastern mountain village. At the dawn of the 21st century, in pursuit of a better life, I joined a northern tomb raiding group. From south to north, I’ve seen the myriad faces of society, mingling with people from all walks of life, the good, the bad, and the strange. Over the years, I’ve gone from a reckless youth to a weathered middle-aged man—my drinking capacity has improved, but time has left its marks. I’ve encountered countless extraordinary people and bizarre events during this journey. If you’re interested, grab a small stool and come listen to the tales of a tomb raider’s life and the fascinating stories of the underworld. ✨Love this translation? Support me on Patreon for early access, exclusive content, and more! Your support keeps the translations coming—subscribe today! ✨Join me on Patreon: Patreon.com/flokixy

In the wake of war and betrayal, Yoname, a fierce warrior once cast aside by Benin, rises from the ashes to become a feared conqueror. After fleeing her homeland as a child, she forges her path through Aksum, climbing the ranks from soldier to ruler with ruthless cunning. Her marriage to Nehizena, the son of Benin’s former king, creates an empire that stretches across the vast desert. But when Nehizena is slain, Yoname vows to continue his conquest—not out of love, but to cement her own dominance. Meanwhile, Queen Nosaze of Benin struggles to maintain her rule as the shadows of her past and the weight of war press heavily upon her. When Yoname storms Afuria, leaving ruin in her wake, Nosaze must make a choice: surrender to Yoname’s growing power or fight to the bitter end. As tensions rise, King Sonni of Gao, once Nosaze’s ally and lover, is drawn back into the conflict, forced to choose between aiding his former queen or protecting his kingdom from the coming storm. Old alliances fracture, battle lines are drawn, and the fate of the West hangs in the balance as armies clash in a brutal war of ambition, revenge, and survival. In the heart of the chaos, warriors will rise, legends will be forged, and the echoes of war will shape the future of their kingdoms forever.

The Mayan ceremonial dagger had an inscription in the ancient language that read: "Offer thy heart". It's obviously an instruction left by the past inhabitants of this forgotten place, but who would be stupid enough to stab himself in the heart with a rusty old knife found inside a tombstone? After activating my battery pack the dagger shimmers brightly in a cyan light, the creatures are coming, I can hear their steps. 'It's do or die.'

In this world mana is everything, everywhere, and anything. It is the essence of all beings, it's absolute and nothing is smaller, bigger or more relevant than mana. Mana is the foundation and also the destruction of existence. Our story starts with our main character Akisima who lives on a junkyard island, deserted of life. As he strives for survival abrupt events starts to happen which would later on change his whole outlook and understanding of the world.

[Limitless Evolution Pathways have been enabled!] [You have entered the Axiom Pathway] [Reincarnation Axiom has been awakened!] After failing to become a God in his first life, Sett used his Axiom of Reincarnation to bring himself and his harem into the cycle of reincarnation. But due to some wild luck, instead of being reborn as a normal man, he was reborn as a mummy within a Tomb! [You have become a Mummy in the Cryptwalker Pathway!] [Tomb Raiders are going to hunt you!] As death begins with life, so does life begin with death! Who says a mummy can’t live passionately, that they cannot taste life as much as a living being can! Sett, the mummy, wanted to live more exuberantly than anyone else. Women, wealth, status, and strength. He wanted it all and more—he wanted to transcend mortality itself. And he will not let anything stop him. — Tombs, Tomb Raiders, incredibly deep and unique magic, ancient deserts, forgotten inheritances, Gods, a harem of princesses and queens, and an ambitious and capable main character. This story has it all and more to offer. I assure you it is a worthy choose. Ride along, the journey of an Emperor’s second coming awaits you. Warning— Villainous mc, romance and a harem that will actually be good. Add well timed smut, too. No Ntr, no r+pe. Wow, so many good promises, right? Yes, good execution too. So what are you acting like a loser and waiting for?

Be part of Midas' story as he adventurers into uncharted worlds, finiding himself in a barren desert, sure he lost any memories of his past self. He travels through the world he got stuck in, evolving his character, meeting new people, surviving, and being thrown into dramatic fights. Trying to get back what he lost on his way into this foreign world.

Ava Gray, one of the many impoverished students born in this world of gods, unexpectedly gets accepted into a top-tier university. Yanhuang Academy, as one of the leading universities, is filled with students who are either wealthy or noble. Everyone must hide their true identities, and here, no one can use their status to suppress others. This seems like the best environment for her to thrive. Having successfully awakened her initial divine kingdom, she begins cultivating it from the primitive era. However, to her surprise, the more she nurtures it, the more it becomes distorted, eventually turning her divine kingdom into a land without gods. Due to a lack of resources, she can only strengthen her divine kingdom by writing her own divine decrees. But as the kingdom grows larger, she—who only wants to remain low-key—frequently finds herself misunderstood and is often mistaken for the heir of a powerful aristocratic family.

In the sun-scorched wastelands beyond the Seraphic Theocracy, the exiled struggle to survive. Among them is Silver, an orphan boy born into a world where Apostle blood was used as fuel and the gods turning their backs on him. Branded as one of the ‘Godless,’ he and his sister, Mira, a hardened mercenary, fight to carve out a future in a land where only the ruthless endure. But when Mira returns from the frontier bearing fresh scars and a secret, Silver realizes that survival is no longer their only concern. Whispers of change ripple through the desert—the land shifts, the monsters grow restless, and ancient forces long thought buried begin to stir. Silver never believed in fate. But fate has chosen him. Hunted by zealots, mercenaries, knights, and things far more monstrous, Silver must unravel the mystery of his own existence before the world is swallowed by the storm on the horizon. With each step, the line between man and god, salvation and damnation, blurs. And as the sands run red, one question remains: Will he be the savior the world needs… or its final executioner? (Hey. Author here. Subtle warning. I'm honestly thinking of rewriting the chapters to make things more badass, and implementing a system or something. I'm new here, so feel free to make suggestions.)

In the middle of a deserted island, a small boy wakes up with two sets of memories: one from his few years of life and the other from a man who lived to adulthood and achieved great things. When he least expected it, a powerful master appeared on the island and took him in as a disciple, revealing a shocking fact: magic exists in that world, and, thanks to it, humanity managed to conquer the galaxy. If you like it, you can support me on patreon.com/lordanl and get up to 10 advanced chapters.

Jasmine's War is a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and survival. Jasmine, a resilient young woman living a quiet life on her family farm, is content with the simplicity of her world—until a mysterious soldier named Caden arrives, carrying the weight of a dangerous secret. As a deserter from the king’s army, Caden is a man on the run, haunted by his past and hunted by the king’s relentless soldiers. Seeking refuge, he finds solace in Jasmine’s kindness, and over time, the two form a bond that transcends the chaos of the world outside. But as their connection deepens, so does the danger surrounding them. With soldiers closing in and a treacherous war looming, Jasmine and Caden must prepare to defend their home and their love. As they fight to protect one another, their world is turned upside down by the harsh realities of survival. In the midst of war, they are forced to confront their deepest fears, the horrors of the battlefield, and the difficult choices that could change the course of their lives forever. In a story where trust is as fragile as peace and love can be as dangerous as any battle, Jasmine and Caden must navigate the thin line between hope and despair, knowing that the ultimate war may not be on the battlefield, but within their heart

The story of a lizard man that is a villain in a world where there is few undead. See as a Reincarnated person with one thing on his mind; to cause a calamity. It will start with the Mc at 15 where is clan is driven from the wet lands and him being banished after being left for dead in the harsh desert the original owner of the body dies as he takes control.

In a world where Science meets the Arcane, a time where the surreal bridges upon the factual, an Era in which the physical and metaphysical unify against one common threat. This threat can be seen anywhere, from outside the cottage of a man who struggles with his own isolation, shouting "I cannot be taken yet, for hope has not deserted me!!!" or in the tranquil embrace of nature, where a young man lives among the roots and vines thinking "The Mother of Roots will surely save me", only to find themselves vanished anyhow. Whether meek or the pinnacle of excellence all seems to fade when the "Outers" walk the soils. Explore the world of Alter-Grey in all its facets and uncover mysteries beyond comprehension, knowledge so pure that you might as well be fiction in its suffocating truths, sometimes curiosity is not sated only to kill the cat, but instead uses it to unravel everything. So I ask you this, are you curious enough to brave the Outer? Are you strange to the ways of man or are you mundane? either way I suppose it doesn't really matter. Join a select few Astrals on this journey and see how far the strings of fate take you.

When Jesse McGraw and his gang of outlaws crack open an ancient chest, they expect gold—not a death sentence. Marked by a creeping, unnatural brand, they soon realize the chest didn’t just curse them—it’s changing them. Now, every night, the Ghost Riders come. Twisted figures on horseback, neither alive nor dead, hunting them through the desert with glowing eyes and laughter that chills the soul. They don’t just want the chest back. They want Jesse and his gang to take their place. The longer they hold onto the chest, the stronger their powers grow—but so does the curse. As the gang struggles to control their new abilities, they discover that breaking the curse won’t be easy. Somewhere out there lies the key to their salvation—but it’s buried beneath blood, betrayal, and legends long forgotten. And the deeper they ride, the clearer it becomes: if they don’t find a way out soon, they won’t be running anymore. They’ll be hunting. Night is hell. Morning is mercy. And the clock is ticking.

In a world where the supernatural force of Hit grants immense power to those who wield it,Stanley Ardo's ordinary life is turned upside down. At first,forced by his Father to abandon his dream of becoming a royal mage,Stanley discovers he possess an abnormal strength and speed which he attached very little relevance to. Unbeknowst to him,he's the inheritor of the Eternal Flame,a powerful legacy passed from Master Lee,the pioneer of Hit,who also happens to be his ancestor. Guided by Master Lee's ghost,Stanley navigates his complex destiny alongside his loyal friends. Together,they work to capture the elusive Soul Raider,a nefarious force terrorizing the kingdom. However their quest was soon overshadowed by a far greater threat:Mateo,Master Lee's vengeful brother,reincarnated to destroy Stanley,ruin the kingdom and claim the Eternal Flame for himself. Stanley must master the true potential of Hit. But as the stakes rise,relationships are tested,the line between good and evil blurs. Will he succumb to the darkness or harness the Eternal Flame power to protect the kingdom? With the fate of the kingdom hanging in balance;Stanley must uncover the real power of the Flame,Confront the treacherous Mateo and the Soul Raider,balance friendship,love and his new found responsibilities. Dive into a world of magic,fantasy and self discovery in Hit: The Eternal Flame of Master Lee.

One day, you wake up in a building on a deserted island, with no memory of what happened... You're locked in a room, the interior design looks like the eighties, you wonder what you're doing here, but you don't remember anything, as if someone erased your memories with an eraser... Something strange is happening there. You see and hear things that you shouldn't notice with the naked eye as a living person. What's going on? You feel like you're going crazy. You have friends with you who, like you, don't remember anything. Paranormal phenomena are easy until a murderer appears among you, who wants revenge for the past, with which you think you have nothing to do...

In a world ravaged by corruption and desolation, nine strangers from mysterious origins awaken in the heart of a black desert, with no memory of how they got there. Each carries extraordinary abilities, but also secrets that make them distrust one another. Forced to survive in a hostile environment where time and space are manipulated by dark forces, they must learn to work together—or perish.

Arian van Elod, rightful heir to the Elodian empire has lost everything. With his honor and pride stripped away, his father, the emperor, exiles him to the very edges of the empire. There, in a desert, far away from any civilization a crumbling beast-academy is located- the last hope for the empire's scum to receive some form of education. Arian has already given up all hope... for the students, as well as for himself, as he tumbles closer and closer to despair. And yet, somewhere in his heart, there is still the whish to regain everything he had lost...

In a world where arcane magic converges with clockwork tech, a fallen hero gets a second chance at destiny. Kael Ashborne was once a legendary magus who died saving the realm from darkness – now reborn as an unassuming youth, he awakens to a society transformed by magitech and new dangers lurking in the shadows. With memories of a past life and a mysterious Awakening power, Kael must navigate royal academies, enchanted forests, and mechanized cities to reclaim his former strength without revealing his secret. Whispers of demonic forces gather again, alliances between mages and machinists fray, and ancient beasts stir in lost dungeons. Armed with old wisdom and new friends – a desert huntress with wind at her call, an eccentric young inventor, and even a former rival – Kael strives to unite a divided world. Can a reincarnated mage, carrying the weight of a forgotten era, rise to challenge fate once more? Ascendant: The Reincarnated Magus teases a tale of mystic rebirth and epic adventure, where the keys to the future lie hidden in the echoes of the past. In the looming conflict between light and shadow, one truth stands clear: to save an era, one must ascend beyond it.